Three parents were hauled before the courts after their children played truant from school.

The cases were brought by Gateshead Council after the youngsters' attendance fell below national guidelines.

It comes after a truancy sweep on the Metro caught hundreds of youngsters off school when they should have been attending lessons.

Annette Ashcroft, of Chesters Gardens, Crawcrook, was due to appear in court on Tuesday to answer a charge of failing to send a child to school. The case was proved in her absence.

Gateshead magistrates heard that her 15-year-old son Michael had attended 142 sessions out of a possible 192 at Ryton School, amounting to 73%. Prosecutor Susan Scott told the magistrates children were expected to attend 94% of sessions.

The case was adjourned to December 21 for sentencing.

Margaret Stanbury, of Rosewood Gardens, Sheriff Hill, pleaded guilty for failing to send her 15-year-old son Ross to Joseph Swan School. He had attended 19 sessions out of 186.

Mrs Scott said Mrs Stanbury was offered guidance from the education welfare service and school staff but she did not apply it.

In mitigation, Tim Gregory said: "This is not through the fault of only one person. It is unproductive to lay blame at Mrs Stanbury's door.

"The reality is that Ross is difficult to manage. His father is not there and is playing no part at all in Ross's welfare. Mrs Stanbury is trying her best.

"She suffers from depression. Her older son, who is 18, suffers from muscular dystrophy and she is trying her utmost."

Magistrates imposed a fine of £50, with £50 costs.

Also in court was Leesa Holmwood, of Sycamore Road, Blaydon, whose 15-year-old daughter Sharna had a 62% attendance at Hookergate School. She pleaded guilty.

The girl has been at the school since the family moved to Blaydon from Holland last year.

Mrs Scott said when an education welfare officer visited their home on one occasion, Sharna was found babysitting a younger sibling. This was denied by her mother.

Peter Farrier, representing Mrs Holmwood, said: "Mrs Holmwood would say the school record is not entirely accurate. Her daughter's attendance was better than displayed but not good enough, in her own admission.

"Mrs Holmwood has never allowed Sharna to stay home to babysit.

"She has three young lads of school age who have good attendance records.

"She is prepared to accept any help to secure regular attendance at school."

She was given a six-month conditional discharge, with £60 costs.

In County Durham, 152 children were stopped and 107 of them were with an adult.